Xiao Jinyi added from beside him, "If they weren't stupid, they wouldn't have ended up handing over three cities to us. All in all, we came out ahead."
He spoke quietly enough that only Shen Shixu, Xiao Yuanqi, and the others nearby heard him. If the Western Di delegation had heard that, they might have coughed up blood on the spot.
After what had just happened, everyone in the Western Di delegation behaved as meekly as quails. Gesar Drolma and Zhuo'er were led away.
The Northern Rong delegation had been well behaved to begin with. After seeing what happened when Western Di stepped out of line, they became even more so.
Emperor Wu'an was quite pleased with them and, in a generous mood, took the initiative to ask what they sought.
Aqike was still young. Seeing Emperor Wu'an, who had been furious moments earlier, suddenly address them with a smile left him momentarily stunned.
Naqi Yuer rose of her own accord, stepped away from her seat, and knelt in the hall. Seeing his sister do so, Aqike hurried after her, as did the rest of the Northern Rong delegation.
"Your Majesty of Great Qian, we have indeed come to seek a favor. We wish to establish trade with Great Qian, exchanging our cattle, sheep, and horses for salt, tea, and medicinal herbs.
"If Great Qian agrees, we would also like to form a marriage alliance to strengthen our pact."
Even without considering Naqi Yuer's words, the fact that she had left her seat to kneel before him showed her sincerity in seeking cooperation.
Emperor Wu'an was very interested in what Northern Rong offered. Their cattle and sheep were excellent, to say nothing of their horses.
After the trouble Western Di had just caused, however, the thought of a marriage alliance